Article by Sam Winebaum
Puma Velocity Nitro 4 ($140)
Introduction
The Velocity Nitro 4 is Puma’s mid vary, throughout each day coach sitting between the plated Deviate Nitro and the extra extremely stacked Magnfiy Nitro 3. For its 4th version it goes with an all NitroFoam supercritical Aliphatic TPU NITRO compound midsole tweaked from their Elite Nitro for each day working, dropping the prior model’s decrease layer of EVA. It loses 13g because of this whereas gaining 2.5mm in stack top, following the tendencies of extra stack top at related or decrease weights as manufacturers transition to all supercritical foam midsoles as Puma has performed right here. It stays a 10mm drop shoe and at $140 on the decrease finish of pricing for supercritical foam footwear.
Professionals:
Agile, quick, enjoyable to run each day coach: Sam
Smooth and bouncy midsole with a number of vitality return
Moderately priced at $140 for a full supercritical foam midsole shoe: Sam
Midrange stack top of 36/26 and lightweight in weight for its class at 8.65 oz / 245g US9
Cons:
A bit gentle and mushy beneath the midfoot given no decrease EVA layer or plate: extra rubber protection or crammed in midsole may assist? Sam
Not as steady as prior Velocity Nitro: Sam
Most comparable footwear
Adizero EVO SL
New Stability Insurgent v5
ASICS Novablast 5
Nike Pegasus Plus
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 8.65 oz / 245g US9 (prior model 9.07 oz / 257g US9)
Pattern Weights:
males’s 8.43 oz / 239g US 8.5 (R: 233g, L:246g)
girls’’s oz / g US
Stack Height:
V4 36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot
V3 33.5 mm heel / 23.5 mm forefoot,
Platform Width:
80 mm heel / 65 mm midfoot / 100 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: The Velocity Nitro 4 instantly conveys a quick vibe with its comparatively low stack top and efficiency oriented higher match but in my Sea Glass/ Pace Blue colorway additionally says to me that this might be a pleasant quick enjoyable form of trip and a transfer away from the steadier extra steady and stiffer prior variations. And that’s what it delivered for me!
The higher is a reasonably commonplace engineered mesh of average thickness with respectable breathability.
The rear collars are amply and deeply padded with a stout fairly excessive and inflexible heel counter to lock the foot to the rear of the platform. Runners with slender heels should have no heel slip points. And together with the deep heel rubber protection this building is acceptable to stabilize landings given the gentle foam with now no denser EVA beneath.
The gusseted tongue has a really large (wrapping down the foot) fairly lengthy, perforated and frivolously padded leatherette high part.
The gusset itself is a one inch strap so there’s not the usually seen over stress on the arch from the gusset.
As with all Puma whereas the rides are at all times playful and enjoyable they don’t compromise on foot maintain and right here we’ve got a comparatively low quantity very effectively held midfoot. The laces are on the brief facet and I doubt anybody will want a runner’s lace lock right here.
The toe field as with most Puma is considerably pointy lengthy with the toe bumper minimal, as is product of actually simply the over the toes overlays. Together with the perforated mesh, which whereas non stretch, has some give ought to enable this comparatively slender entrance of the shoe to adapt to most non large ft. Once more, as with the remainder of the shoe match it’s extra efficiency targeted than straightforward going and sometimes sloppy in match kind.
I’m true to measurement in width and quantity and as acknowledged above efficiency oriented in lock down in what’s general a comparatively low quantity higher. Broad variations might be accessible.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole is now totally Nitrofoam, a brand new supercritical Aliphatic TPU NITRO compound midsole tweaked from their Elite Nitro foam for each day working. Prior variations had a decrease layer of denser “LIght EVA” which for my tastes made the Velocity fairly stiff (as a consequence of glue between foams) , nearly uninteresting and really steady for a impartial shoe. We’re speaking a couple of new expertise right here.
The all Nitrofoam midsole, now 2.5mm increased, is on the gentle facet, very energetic and vigorous with the outsole offering some required response and pop. The drop stays at 10mm with a definite sensation of the run of plunging ahead into the gentle foam upfront then rebounding in a pleasant bouncy style.
I do discover the midfoot to be a bit flat and oversoft. Not a assist challenge however extra one in every of a hesitation in transition from midfoot to toe off.
Given the gentle Nitrofoam I feel extra vertical sidewalls on the medial facet, filling within the cavity, extra outsole rubber, or perhaps a small plastic shank in that space may assist enhance the movement ahead
The cushioning is deep however not “max” particularly on the heel the place if you’re a constant heel striker, are heavier, want a contact extra midfoot assist and run usually at slower paces the Amplify Nitro 3 (RTR Evaluate) could be a more sensible choice. It has elevated stack top and extra rear platform width of a brand new PEBA foam (really feels very related in softness to the Nitrofoam right here however is a bit denser and faster reacting and fewer bouncy. For but extra assist however nonetheless extra impartial in focus than stability, the Endlessly Run (RTR Evaluate) is a stable alternative.
Outsole
Sam: As at all times PumaGrip shines! There may be loads of it with loads of cuts into the rubber for flexibility and grip.
I do want the protection was a bit extra in depth or possibly much less segmented on the entrance of the midfoot to present the Velocity a contact extra forefoot stability given the gentle foam and 10mm drop. Alternatively, a small “shank” in that space may obtain the identical. Prior variations have been stiffer and extra steady there however not as a lot enjoyable.
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions
Sam: The Velocity Nitro 4 is a completely fashionable mild and vigorous each day coach which retains its conventional 10mm drop, cheap $140 pricing and efficiency targeted higher match. The trip is effectively cushioned, vigorous and quick if not fairly as steady (or uninteresting) as its predecessor with its further layer of decrease EVA foam.
I do want for a bit much less gentle midfoot really feel which, whereas steady, is a bit flat and will use both extra rubber or extra foam within the cavity to present that space extra stand up and go to toe off.
The Velocity Nitro 4 is a superb alternative for sooner each day runs of just about any distance besides very lengthy though for lengthy and slower I might look to the Amplify Nitro 3 and for sooner tempo the Deviate Nitro with its carbon infused plate and extra inflexible rocker targeted trip. The Velocity can also be a wonderful single coach alternative for the highschool and faculty runner (or any runner) as a consequence of its cheap pricing, versatility, mild weight, plentiful enjoyable cushion, safe higher and anticipated sturdiness.
Sam’s Rating: 9.14 / 10
Journey (50%): 9 wants extra midfoot snap
Match (30%): 9.2 stable efficiency match
Worth (15%): 9.5 sturdy versatility and anticipated sturdiness
Fashion (5%): 9 cheery
😊😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
Adizero SL EVO (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: The favored EVO is a really related idea shoe. A slab of vigorous supercritical foam and that’s about it. The EVO is at about the identical stack top and has the identical 10mm drop. It’s significantly lighter as a consequence of its extra minimal higher (borderline shaky in maintain for me and outsole (surprisingly sturdy). To unravel the identical midfoot softness challenge the Puma has adidas inserted a small plate just under the sockliner. Sadly for me anyway the plate is “in the way in which” of transitions in any respect however quick paces limiting the shoe’s versatility compared to the Puma.
New Stability Insurgent v5 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: 26g lighter on a barely wider platform, about the identical heel top however increased forefoot as a 6mm drop shoe the Insurgent is extra steady and stiffer, considerably denser in cushion really feel. It’s lighter higher is extra breathable and nearly as safe. Whereas the Puma is extra vigorous, agile and enjoyable the New Stability is a steadier tempo performer and could be a good plateless race alternative.
ASICS Novablast 5 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: About the identical weight however significantly increased stacked at 42/34 the ASICS has a stronger cushion to weight ratio than the Puma, an incredible trip (albeit not supercritical enjoyable and bouncy) however comes with some caveats. Its higher just isn’t as supportive and its outsole not practically as grippy because the Puma’s. If in case you have a effectively aligned within the route of journey working kind, stick with clean surfaces on the similar worth because the Puma, it’s a nice worth. In case you desire a extra conventional increased drop considerably decrease stack and extra versatile shoe with a extra efficiency oriented and safe higher, the Velocity Nitro 4.
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: The now considerably dated Plus is a really related shoe in having primarily the identical stack top, 10mm drop and weight, an all supercritical ZoomX midsole, and really safe efficiency oriented higher. Their rides are related with the Nike’s ZoomX midsole a bit denser, much less bouncy and extra responsive. The large distinction…worth because the Nike is $180 retail to the tremendous cheap $140 right here though as at all times with Nike older colorways may be discovered on the worth of the Puma.
Skechers Aero Spark (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: One other shoe with related stats and similar each day coaching focus, the Spark has the identical 36mm heel top however a 6mm increased forefoot so is extra cushioned upfront whereas additionally including a ball of the foot carbon infused H-Plate one thing the Puma may contemplate however in a bit extra mellow building. Each have a supercritical nitrogen EVA midsole with related really feel however as a result of elevated stack top and plate the Spark, whereas versatile is extra responsive and snappy whereas the Puma is softer and bouncier.
All RTR evaluations: HERE
Newest Opinions-chronological order HERE
The Velocity Nitro 4 might be accessible July 17, 2025
Sam’s Video Evaluate of the Velocity Nitro 4
Tester Profile
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th yr of working roads and trails. He has a a long time outdated 2:28 marathon PR. Nowadays he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at average paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, mountain climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many superb New England IPA’s.
Samples have been supplied at no cost for assessment functions. No compensation was supplied by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.
Thanks for studying our assessment!
Purchasing at our companions beneath is far appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun
FREE 2 Day Delivery EASY No Sweat Returns
Europe solely: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all merchandise, even sale merchandise
FLEET FEET
ROADRUNNERSPORTS
TOP4RUNNING EUROPE
Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all merchandise, even sale merchandise
SPORTSSHOES.COM UK/EU
Use our code RTR235 for five% off all merchandise
MARATHON SPORTS BOSTON
RoadTrailRun Official Retailer Customized Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats
Cap:$35 Bucket:$39
Free US Financial system Delivery!
Please Like and Observe RoadTrailRun
WATCH OUR YOUTUBE REVIEWS ON THE ROADTRAILRUN CHANNEL
Google “roadtrailrun Shoe Title” and you may be fairly positive to seek out nearly any run shoe and all types of run and hike gear over the past 10 plus years
